Italy on ‘red alert’ as heavy rains cause flooding

STORY: :: Italian authorities issue a red weather alert after heavy rains swell rivers

:: March 14, 2025

:: Florence, Italy

River Arno, usually a tranquil waterway in the historical city of Florence, was swollen beyond its usual banks with rapid currents carrying an assortment of debris including branches and a car tire.

Head of the central Tuscany region, Eugenio Giani, urged residents and visitors to exercise caution, with schools closed in several cities as heavy rainfall is expected for the rest of Friday.

According to local reports floodgates and expansion tanks would be opened to alleviate the strain on River Arno.